davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28
who Takes the Cream.

The Phoenix states what is absolutely false when
II says that mot a bakers dozen Of reputable
Brattleboro Democrats could be found TO give
their support 70 the removal of II. VI. Curritr as
postal clerk. More than treble that number of
reputable Brattleboro Democrats" attested by
their signatures that they desired il done and Il
WAS. The Phoenix should not think that all the
reputable Democrats there are in Brattleboro is
the little coterie who seem to be merely an annex
TO that paper. There are some people in Brattle-
boro who appear to think themselves the creme de
la creme OF the Democratic party and act as if
they believed that the removal Of a Republican
70 put IN Democrat is wrong; but the masses of
the party there do not agree with them, as they
have demonstrated in the past and are likely to do
In the future..-ArgltS.
Why, bless your heart, Neighbor Atkins,
Brattleboro has no Creme de la creme, and
in fact the only representative we have ever
seen is now engaged by the government at
I'll day as superintendent of cellar-hole
somewhere in the vicinity of the state cap
ital, over which Republican administra-
ton is likely to erect government building
sometime No no Brother Atkins. they
are all common sort of people down this
way, and all are good friends of The Phm-
nix but nevertheless they know fraud
every time they see one, and they are reas-
OnAbly familiar with the new system of
civil service reform as exemplifed by the
irascible little chairman of the Democratic
state committee, whose proohess assertions
are too familiar to require serious comment.
We all know down this way, Brother At
kins, that, as the boys say, you are w. f.
(well fixed), and possibly-though it is hard
ly probable-the boys may feel content to
feed upon empty promises until after the
next state convention
Suppose, by the way, you give us your
long list of reputable Democrats who asked
to have Mr.. Currier removed, and tell the
circumstances under which people were
asked to sign the petition.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28
The Pre.lden,,u Tonr.

President Cleveland's tour ended on Sat
urday, when the party arrived in Washing
ton. During the three weeks of his Jour
neying the President Travelled 1900 miles,
passed through seventeen states crossing
three of them twice, and had seen and
been seen by from 900, 600 to 5, 0OO, 600
people. Thus he shares with Andrew John
son the honor and notoriety of having
swung around the circle as a candidate for
denomination. He was everywhere receiv-
ed in a manner beftting the high office
which he holds. In his speeches he wisely
avoided politics, and confined himself to the
local history of the place where he was
speaking. In fact, he seems TO have made
up his mind at the start to speak only when
it was unavoidable, and then to talk with
out saying anything in particular He car
ried out his plan until he reached Atlanta,
when he struck a different vein He babe
the Southern people remember that by his
oath he was President of the whole people,
and advised the young men to prize Ameri-
can citizenship. His sounding words
lose their force, however, when we remem-
Der that Mr. Cleveland addressed this ex-
hortation only to the young white men Of
that section, and that he has no sympathy
for the millions Of loyal people in the South
who are deprived of their legal right to cast
a vote and have it honestly counted The
President was wise in taking his charming
wife with him. She had a constant ovation
all along the line, and counts the people OF
every state she has visited as her admirers.
IL cannot be said that this tour was really
needed 10 assure the denomination Of Mr.
Cleveland The Democrats have no other
available candidate, and if he lives till the
convention meets, it is as certain as any
thing political can be that his name vii
again head the Democratic ticket.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28
PHOENIX, BRATTLEBoRO FRIDAY OCTOBER 28 1887

hood and / believe It's use is traceable TO
Solomon's time. You doubtless recall also
the old odage Of "Spare the rod and spoil
the child with which You were frequently
admonished, and about the same time Of its
practical application you greatly wished TO
he Spoiled | am inclined TO think the
use of the rod is about ms old AS the rod it.
self
The early settlers of this state resorted
to the use of the beech seal in their admin
stration of justice. In that entertaining
historical romance, entitled THE Green
Mountain Boys, 50 there is an account of how
effectively it was applied to those magis-
trates who attempted to sustain as well
as to those who claimed land under the au
thority Of the state of New York IL is
not therefore surprising that the early set
tiers of this state transmitted 10 subse-
quent generations the idea that the "beech
seal" was an instrument calculated to do
much good. The rod became associated
with every school room, and it insured dis
cipline and order
You can doubtless recall how some mis-
chievous, wileawake boy has caused in the
school-room uproar and confusion YOU can
remember how the wearied tormented and
vexed teacher sought for the cuprit how,
receive the medicine most always at hand.
1t sometimes, however, happened that the
rod had disappeared, or had become worth
less from too much use, and then the cul-
prit was sent forth to obtain a fresh sup
| ply and he would 20 out into the dense
woods and thick underbrush always near
the OF school-houses in Vermont, and hunt
for hours for a stick, and when he supposed
the wrath Of the schoolmaster had some
what cooled he would return with some
miserable apology of IA stick and seriously
insist that it was the best he could find
| Well, the rod meant in the hool-room as
| ! have said discipline and order. 1t ha,
been practically discarded by modern in
structors, and doubtless wisely so, and other
means of discipline have usurped its place
1t is true the rod taught many lessons, which
| cannot dwell upon. 1t reinforced attention
and obedience it compelled discharge Of
duty, and taught self control And so tn,
use of the rod in times past made those who
needed well its lessons greater than he VIII,
taketh a city.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28

Coming to the subject Of his toast. he re-
marked that the school boy and school girl
were complete units, and what affected
them in any part affected them in their en-
tirety To unduly repress the natural
sportive spirit Of boys and girls is TO iniure
them AS scholars. He liked boys who were
ready for books and problems, but we're al
so, when the time came, equally ready for
n game of ball, and girls who could eniov a
romp as well as a recitation Good red
blood, full of the ozone Of the air of the
hills, was the kind 10 take into the school
room. All work and no play does make
Jack a dull boy. This is the part for teach
ers to remember. But there was the other
side Play, athletics, have their place
They are apt TO be overdone He believed
in colleges that turn out something better
than pitchers and short stops for hnse ball
mines. Scholars should remember that all
play and no work rs we'll ms the reverse.
make Jack n dull boy. I'm the phrase of
Sancho Panza, Blessed be the man who
invented recess for it leads to wholesome
work. Play, but afterwards dig YES. DIG
for those treasures of knowledge which are
an eternal possession and work for Tint
development Of mind aud Of character
which are the glory and pride Of the men
and women Of our school based American
civilization
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28

REMARKS or DEA. 6. +. THOMPSON.
Dca Thompson snil he wax asked TO
speak simply as & substitute for man Of
longer years and riper experience than
himself and he should attempt no formal
response, for notice had come to him hut Il
few minute before lie alluded in Il play
ful vein To- his own experiences IN "thc old
district school house where his own early
education was obtained He WAS deprived
Of High school advantages, but he had
very personal interest in this school because
ne found among IFS scholars the best wife
in the world. and his own children had
been educated there. In closing, he Elk
pressed his cordial esteem for the twenty
iive-years' principal Of the school and said
if lac could have his way he would put on
his head laurel wreath and place within it
lot the word perfect, ~ for but one per
feet man ever trod this earth-hut he wuud
put thcrc in letters Of living green the one
word 'fi,Wtpr' sentiment which was
warmly npplauled.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28
Thing. snid brLe,,er.

Letters were received by the reunion
committee from several old teachers and
pupils, who thus acknowledged the receipt
OF invitations to be present and expressed
their regret at not being able TO accept
One of these was from Rev. w. f. Bacon,
now OF Easthampton, Mass, who said he
should much like to give Mr.. Bingham the
hand of cordial greeting and congratula
ton, and more than this, of hearty thanks
for having realized, and much more than
realized, high ideal which he himself had
when teacher of the school.
Highly appreciative and eminently just
in its estimate of Mr.. Bingham's services, is
the letter from James B. Smiley of Chicago,
from which we make this extract:
am particularly sorry that l cannot attend the
banquet ana add my tribute to the others, for /
am most heartily in sympathy with the move
ment, II, r., as we familiarly called him, is an
exceptionally fine teacher, and ! well remember
the hrst morning he appeared in our old High
school building, and the very favorable impress
sion he made ON the school In his opening speech,
and how he captured the boys at once. II was no
easy task he had, for the school had been mis-
managed and was unruly; but how well remem-
per how he stimulated the pride Of the boys and
brought up the tone OF the school until he made
II one OF the best In the state. personally owe
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28

fore you can fully appreciate its solution.
What is the square Of the gratitude aud at
lection which wells up from these hearts
and from other hearts that may not be per
mitted to be here, from the parents and
guardians Of these and others that have
been under your care Only the last day
can tell of all this gratitude and respect
which we give you, but this company and
other friends nre aware that cheeks pale
and eyes grow dim, that words are faint
and empty sounds, and they have contrib
uted and desire me to present TO you the
sum Of $500 Not for its intrinsic value
do they ask you to take it., but as an earn
est Of what has been said here this evening
Of their gratitude respect and love for you,
the old schoolmaster. They desire me fur
thcr TO say, and I say il reverently, may
the God Of your fathers he your God. May
he keep you and may he cherish you and
send His holy spirit when the times of trial
and trouble shall come, and when at last
you put off this earthly, this mortal for the
immortal, may you go through the portals
and receive the plnudits Of the faithful and
the well done.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28

REV. +. y. PARRY : REMARKS.
Mr Parry opened his remarks with sue
cesson Of laughahle anecdotes and humur-
Gus "reminiscences. and closed with this Sc
rious tribute To our common schools But,
all "reminiscences and pleasantly aside we
can truthfully say that the alphabet to all
human progress is the common school The
Athenian pointed to the splendid Acropolis
with exulting pride, because he believed
that there, in the matchless Parthenon
whose pure Pentelc marble and exquisite
proportions are still beyond the dreams of
architectural genius, was enshrned the
Palladium Of his Countrywide symbol Of
heavenly knowledge but were | asked to
declare the preserving charm Of our coun-
try, would lead the inquirer, not to the
Capitoine height where legislators but de
clare the popular opinion but to the common
school house, where the minds that rule the
land are fashioned and the destinies of the
nation are determined We read that af-
ter Polygnotus had painted their heroes in
the frescoes of the public council chamber.
by decree Of the Amphyctionic council he
lived as the guest of all Greece the Rom
ans filled their Atria aud their public places
with the statues of their ilustrious ances
tors but far worthic- Of the peoples graf
tudr is he who imprints upon the fresh
minds Of the young lessons that shall make
them living examples of patriotic virtue
and fits them for lifr's responsibilities So
| ! say. Long live our common schools. aud
all honor 10 the men aud women who tench
them
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28
HIGH SCHOOL REUNION,
HOnOrS TO Principal B. F. Bingham
In Recognition of 20 Years of Devoted
Service in BrnttlebOTO.


THE cONCERT-TIGE BANQuET-rHE AFTER
DINNER sPEECHFs--A HANDSOME GIEr TO
MIR BINGHAM.
The first annual meeting of the Brattle
boro High school reunion society was such
a complete and happy success AS must car
ry a thrill of pride and satisfaction to ev-
cry surviving member of the great compa-
nv who, since 1892, have felt the helpful
and uplifting influence of that institution.
The concert given at the town hall at
1870 afforded enjoyable entertainment to a
large audience for an hour and n half.
Soon after O'Clock a company of over 300
former High school pupils sat down to the
banquet served in the armory aud the after.
dinner speaking followed The occasion
very properly took the form of testimonial
to Mr.. Bingham in recognition of the APP
preaching completion of his twenty five
years of faithful service in the school. One
of its pleasantest features was the presen-
tation to him at the close of purse of 5000
given by Brattleboro residents and 10y for
mer pupils who are now scattered in every
part of the country, but who still cherish
affectionate remembrance of the school and
its long time teacher. The proceedings are
reported ia detail herewith, and matter OF
historical interest is appended.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28

The concert at 1870 o'clock presented a
delightful program of vocal and instrument
tai selections including two numbers by the
Philharmonic orchestra. Wagner's spin
ming Song" was rendered with good effect
by quartet consisting of Misses Thwing,
Gregg aud Cook and Mrs. f. r. Pratt, and
the solo from "Lurline' was very sweetly
sung by Miss Thwing, who also appeared to
good advantage in her duet with that popu-
lar favorite Mr.. L. X. Willis, II live and
love thee" The duets for two pianos, as
played by Misses Belle Clark and Izetta
Stewart were marvels of technical skill
and graceful execution, and proved once
again the fact that Brattleboro has at least
two pianists in which she may feel just
pride Mr.. f. G. Leightsnger gave one of
his ever-welcome clarinet selections of
which it need only be said that the instru-
ment responded as to the touch of master
hand The unique feature of the program
was the performance upon the mandolin by
| Mr.. Harry w. Harris of Boston, a former
| High school pupil, whose numbers included
one or more of his own composition. He
was enthusiastically received, and recalled
after each performance, and even then the
audience was apparently unsatisfied, but
| evidently retired with the determination to
hear the promising young artist again at no
very distant day
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28
THE AFTER-D1NNER SPEECHES.


M President ant Friends Your presi-
dent has invited me to say n few specific
words, special words, endearng words. If
| can satisfy my conscience that such words
are to be spoken on this occasion, | will en-
deavor to utter them. Outside and beyond
all legislative enactments, there are certain
essential factors that must lead TO the sue
cess of any and every public school First,
it is manifestly essential that pupils shall
have learned to mind at home. Pupils that
come with a thirst and desire for knowl-
edge pupils who are susceptible, and have
the capacity to be taught such is one of
the essential factors in the final success of
any public school
In 1868, met a group, whose faces | now
see, so many of them about sixty in mum
Der, After trying ON their new teacher
and little skirmishiug now and then, and
getting acquainted with each other and,
after n little, beginning 10 see that their
new teacher had a desil g to impart infor-
nation and when they were satisfied that
he was to rule, We all commenced an up
ward march. Perhaps the climax of our
acquaintance took place in the fall term.
One of Brattehoro's Christian gentlemen
came rapidly up the walk during an after
noon recess, coat off, necktie off, with his
slippers on--we thought frothing at the
mouth. Soon he commenced to heap anath-
emas upon the new teacher and ended, in
short, in calling the High school a nuisance
After listening quietly to that kind of Ian
guage until he got through, looking t.
either side of myself l saw that George
/ stood close by, and Prescott was near to,
and Henry was not far off, each with fist
/ full of bones all ready to take effect on the
i upper extremity Of his breathing apparatus
l said, "Are you through, sir 2" YES,
suppose so Then stay and listen If
can have the cooperation of these young
men about me, and few of the citizens OF
the place, ! will compel you 10 own that the
High school in Brnttlehoro is something
more than a nuisance | think when til,
boys replied, 'Oh, master, you shall have
that cooperation, You shall have that as
sistance," that our acquaintance wa,
complete. knew then that they knew
and wanted what / desired, and from thai
time until this | think they have fulfilled
their mission. Each year the number hai
been increasing, and they have gone hithel
and thither into places of business. You
own street finds them there Every year
at the close Of the exercises before the pub
lie, the next class take their places Will
this watchword, and it is curious Mas
ter, little higher next year a little high
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28
The Banquet.

Eleven long tables were spread on the
floor of the Armory and at these company
of nearly $50 partook of the excellent col
iation served by f. L. Batchelder & Co.
The appearance of the tables was handsome
and the arrangement Of the armory interi-
or was tasteful and effective, prominent
feature being a portrait of Mr.. Bingham
which stood on the platform. The Phlhar
monte orchestra gave program of sclec-
tons while the supper was in progress. At
10 o'clock Mr.. II II, Thompson, president
and POSTMASTER Of the evening, called the
company to order and after briefly abiding
to the exercises which were to follow and
the business to be transacted he introduced
Mr.. Bingham to give the address of wei
come The mention of Mr.. Bingham
name was warmly applauded and he spoke
earnestly and with evident feeling though
with perfect self command We print his
remarks in full with reports more or less
complete of what was said by the speakers
who followed All the speeches we're ex-
rellent and cxcellrntlv fitted to the coca.
sion, and they were listened to with many
demonstrations of int, rest and approval
both by those ON the floor of the armory
and by the large number Of spectators VIII,
filled the balcony. The scene was an i'm
presslve one when at the close DR.. HoltOn
made the presentation to Mr., Bingham
this incident being entirely unexpected by
''the old schoolmaster"
During the evening a constitution and by
laws which had been prepared for the per
manent organization of the BrattleborC
High school reunion society was read and
adopted. The annual meeting is to be hello
in June of each year on the Tuesday even
ing before the commencement exercises
and the public meeting will also be held
sometime in June. The present officer,
were continued in Office until next June.
As has been intimated already the whole
occasion was n most complete and Satisfac
tory success. The amount of work which
it involved for the president, the secretary
the executive committee, and for other,
who assisted, was very large. but they hav,
their reward in the knowledge that through
their efforts a new red letter day has beer
set in the Brattleboro calendar.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-28
"schoolboy Iricnd.hip.."

NJ ~.
At. ny i,'"t 'l P'' "hhI is IL thai makes
' lhs s'nooi""y l'lenulllpS so true Anal
lsiS IL nov ensv' 70 may he the peculiar
PieasuIo VI me IuNeIi al lhat age when ev-
'y'n'"S ~ lT'Sh ana ""hr WIN a vlgor and
~. " NV ".o' '"I7 'u h"u give. NO
uouov '"' 'p'' ms i 'hu'h 10 a." WIN 1t,
HEeIE '""'E' '"'n WIN 'rII Npu"i the close
'''"Th'' "P'" '"I''E' N"hd7 "t the per
7o"''iUN vi '"e "'lh WI" sihnds where he
Ia', siNg M Ino 'P," ~" '"'PS 4" the whole
oouy' me VeStiin"ny oi TINS meeting of
.!ie',''S ,"isuI Is P"'FHl3r proof ct the pa
I Wv anu l"'nN "' MN VINO mas IN AL
y'ioso y'"'7 "Tiu y"" V"gel'eF IN ms siung.
NJ grasp. puu everything about school
M w, 'eoi,iS 70 ""rh one why IN tllS matter
W ne" V''1 IU"s Guam ~ hSufeF grows ON
Viio oonr"' one bright Slfl nj the head pulls
ao"E .ne Jun '"'y at 'ho "'her "nd. When
UIie Scno'',''aS'er 'aNS II ON with the rod
VI W t',''" '"'h "loW ullNes lNci
"i . "'''''N u'' n1art' V'I'ther' W hcn he
s%1'sS U"e S.,'''' COY h,'I' "'"uhn. tue CIR
oie O"H'S III 'ii' WU'' hopl' Nothing hui
"naV Is a''Hai'N 'NI''' ah' base, ana mean
reVr"rUS' an" mo, wa" are $" hive 40
'''ehuH' % 'hul IAlet on Whrn the u,d
"'"'e' 'v,"S "u'h JOKES ana hlN'lpIhr HIikr
are ie'"'. ~, VIII" warm n'arls ana KIN Ivy
s'nieS' lH're Is an l'eHl element III tines"
lr'ehusnlPS' however sound IN philosophy,
as 1t IS u'ii'iiStnKanle III ia't' Is infant de
b!nN"E, Scnooi friendships proceed ON "A
uint' eHu P'IncipIe' IneN are founded ON